Jewel Cave, U.S.A
Established On: February 7, 1908
Type: Limestone
Location: Custer, South Dakota, U.S.A.
Size: Length= 153.500 miles, Depth= 632 feet.
Description:
Jewel cave is the second largest cave in the world. Its entrance had to be enlarged with a dynamite. Even though the cave was announced as a national monument in the year 1908, it was only in 1939 that, cave-tours were offered. This cave is a home to the longest straw stalactites in the world. You will also get to see several exotic ‘colossal formations’. It is open year-round, except for thanks-giving day and on the 1st of January.
Things to do:
You can opt to go for a cave-tour. Jewel Cave offers four varieties of guided tours, ‘Scenic Tour’, ‘Discovery Tour’, ‘Historic Lantern Tour’ and ‘Wild Caving Tour’. You can also try some surface activities. Jewel Cave gives you an opportunity to explore the surface of the cave. You can visit the ‘Acre Park’ and witness the evidence of the ‘Jasper Fire’. You can also attend Ranger programs. Ranger programs are scheduled throughout the year. These programs will include a tour through the wildlife, exotic plants and animals, jasper fire and the ecology of the cave. You can also go wildflower-viewing, where you will get to see 393 documented plant species. You can go bird watching and there are 120 species of birds for you to see in this cave. Finally, the best activity of all: Hiking! There are three hiking trails, available to the visitors, which are ‘A walk on the Roof Trail’, ‘Canyons Trail’, and ‘Hell Canyon Trail’. Do look out for the Jewelery box, Giant shawl, Friendly ghost and the Organ pipes!


